Juicy Baked Salmon with Lemon in Just 20 Minutes

Oh, how I love baked salmon with lemon! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years – ever since my first disastrous attempt at cooking salmon (let’s just say it involved smoke alarms). The magic happens when you combine fresh lemon’s bright zing with rich salmon’s natural oils. It’s my go-to weeknight dinner because it’s ready in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like something special.

What makes this baked salmon with lemon recipe foolproof? First, quality salmon – look for that beautiful pink-orange color. Second, don’t skimp on the lemon slices – they steam into the fish as it cooks. And third, that perfect bake time where the salmon turns tender and flaky without drying out. Trust me, once you nail this method, you’ll make it on repeat like I do!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Lemon

This recipe is my weeknight hero for so many reasons:

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect when you’re hangry and need dinner now
• Healthy but indulgent: Packed with omega-3s, yet feels like a treat with that buttery texture
• Bright, fresh flavor: The lemon slices caramelize slightly while baking, adding the perfect zesty punch
• Impressively versatile: Fancy enough for date night, simple enough for meal prep (I’ve done both!)

Seriously, it’s the dish that keeps giving—leftovers make amazing salmon salads the next day too.

Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Lemon

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet flavorful dish:

• 1 lb salmon fillet – skin-on or off, whatever you prefer (I love the crispy skin!)
• 1 lemon – sliced into thin rounds (about 1/4-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff makes a difference
• 1 tsp each salt & black pepper – freshly ground if possible
• 1 tsp garlic powder – the secret flavor booster
• 1 tsp dried dill – or fresh if you’ve got it

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here’s the thing – while I’m pretty particular about my salmon (wild-caught when possible for that richer flavor), there’s room to play:

No lemon? Try orange slices – they add a lovely sweetness. Out of dill? A sprinkle of thyme or oregano works in a pinch. And if you’re like me and sometimes forget to buy fresh garlic, that garlic powder really does the trick (though 2 minced garlic cloves would be dreamy rubbed on the fish before baking). The beauty is in the simplicity!

How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon

Here’s the beautiful part – this baked salmon with lemon is nearly impossible to mess up if you follow these simple steps. I’ve made this dish dozens of times (maybe hundreds?), and this method never fails me. The key is letting that oven do most of the work while the lemon works its magic on the salmon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this moderate temp cooks the salmon gently without drying it out
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment – no sticking means you get every delicious flake
3. Pat the salmon dry – this helps the seasoning stick better (learned this the hard way!)
4. Rub with olive oil – use your hands to coat all sides evenly
5. Season generously – don’t be shy with that salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill
6. Layer lemon slices – cover that salmon like a lemony blanket
7. Bake 15-20 minutes – start checking at 15! The salmon should flake easily with a fork

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon

My top three secrets? Fresh lemons (bottled juice just doesn’t give the same bright flavor), don’t overcook (take it out when it’s just slightly pink in the center), and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving (all those juices redistribute beautifully). Oh, and that crispy skin? Total bonus if you leave it on!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Salmon with Lemon

This baked salmon with lemon plays so well with others! My go-to is simple roasted asparagus – throw it on the same pan during the last 10 minutes of baking (multitasking win!). For heartier meals, I love it over quinoa or with garlic mashed potatoes. The bright lemon cuts through rich sides perfectly. And on crazy busy nights? Just pile a green salad next to it – dinner’s done!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? (Though I rarely have any with this dish!) Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat without turning it to rubber, I gently warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes – or just eat it cold on salads! The lemon flavor actually gets better overnight.

Nutritional Information for Baked Salmon with Lemon

Here’s why I feel so good about serving this dish – one serving (about ½ pound of salmon) packs a nutritional punch:

• 280 calories – satisfying without being heavy
• 25g protein – keeps you full for hours
• 18g healthy fats – hello, omega-3s!
• Only 2g carbs – perfect for low-carb diets

Of course, these numbers can vary based on your salmon’s size and exact ingredients. But trust me – this is one delicious way to eat healthy without feeling like you’re “dieting”!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Pat it extra dry before seasoning – frozen salmon tends to release more moisture. My trick? I sometimes deliberately buy frozen fillets when they’re on sale and keep them ready for last-minute baked salmon with lemon cravings!

How do I know when the salmon is done baking?
Look for the moment when the salmon flakes easily with a fork at its thickest part, but still has a hint of translucency in the center. The fish continues cooking slightly after removal, so pulling it at this stage ensures perfect doneness every time. Overcooked salmon breaks my heart – and my fork!

Can I make this without lemon?
While lemon is the star here, you can substitute with lime or orange slices in a pinch. The citrus is key for balancing the salmon’s richness, but I’ve even used capers when completely citrus-less – they provide that needed bright acidity. Still, trust me, nothing beats fresh lemon slices when you can get them!

Share Your Baked Salmon with Lemon

I’d love to hear how your baked salmon with lemon turns out! Tag me in your kitchen creations or leave a comment below. Nothing makes me happier than seeing others enjoy this simple, delicious dish as much as I do.

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